Universal Design Compliance in South-west Nigeria's Federal Universities' Faculty of Environmental Science Buildings

UGAH, UZODINMA KELECHI and Sholanke, Anthony Babatunde and Dimuna, K. O. and Akinola, A.O. and Ene, Vincent Onyedikachi and Nduka-Kalu, Chidinma (2024) Universal Design Compliance in South-west Nigeria's Federal Universities' Faculty of Environmental Science Buildings. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 12 (6). pp. 4277-4292.

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Abstract

Technological advancements in construction and architecture have led to the neglect of some users' needs in building designs, this study assessed the compliance of selected faculty of environmental science buildings with Universal Design (UD) principles in southwest Nigeria. The paper reviews the evolution of higher educational buildings, UD principles, and their significance in academic environments. Using a case study approach, buildings at the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Federal University of Technology Akure were examined. Data was collected through direct observation and document analysis. Findings revealed significant deficiencies in accessibility features, including inadequate ramps, non-functional lifts, poor wayfinding systems, and insufficient parking for people with disabilities. The study highlighted a systemic lack of consideration for diverse user needs in educational facility planning and execution. It emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in academic environment design, aligning with national disability rights legislation. Recommendations include retrofitting buildings with UD structures, retraining professionals on UD principles, updating building policies, and ensuring new buildings incorporate UD principles. This research provides empirical data on UD compliance in Nigerian universities, serving as a baseline for future improvements in inclusive educational design.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Universal Design, Academic Buildings, Disability Rights, People Living with Disability, Retrofitting, Faculty of Environmental Science Buildings
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education N Fine Arts > NA Architecture
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Civil Engineering and the Environment Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Art
Depositing User:	Patricia Nwokealisi
Date Deposited:	29 Jan 2025 15:29
Last Modified:	29 Jan 2025 15:29
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/18747

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